What makes Keep It Hid by Dan Auerbach notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon release, peaking at number 51 on the Billboard 200 and earning praise from notable publications like Rolling Stone. Its success further solidified Auerbach's reputation as a versatile musician capable of blending various genres while maintaining his roots in garage rock. Released in 2009, Keep It Hid marks Dan Auerbach's debut solo album following his success as the frontman of The Black Keys. At this point, Auerbach had already established himself within the garage rock scene, and this album showcased his artistic depth outside the band's dynamics.

Who is Keep It Hid for?

Keep It Hid works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Keep It Hid?

Keep It Hid has 14 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Keep It Hid

Dan Auerbach · 2009

50 min · 14 tracks · garage rock

A gritty amalgamation of bluesy garage rock infused with soulful melodies and raw, personal storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Trouble Weighs a Ton — This opening track sets the tone with its heavy blues influences and introspective lyrics that grapple with personal struggle.
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I Want Some More — With its catchy hook and upbeat tempo, this song exemplifies Auerbach's knack for combining infectious melodies with poignant themes of desire.
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Keep It Hid — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of secrecy and vulnerability, featuring a haunting melody that lingers long after it ends.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends gritty garage rock with soulful melodies, showcasing Auerbach's songwriting and vocal versatility.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
Auerbach's vocal delivery alternates between gritty and soulful, often layering harmonies to enhance the storytelling in the lyrics.
Several tracks incorporate prominent guitar riffs that are both melodic and rhythmic, driving the garage rock sound throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
contemplative late-night reflections

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Keep It Hid marks Dan Auerbach's debut solo album following his success as the frontman of The Black Keys. At this point, Auerbach had already established himself within the garage rock scene, and this album showcased his artistic depth outside the band's dynamics.
Stylistic neighbors: The Black Keys· Jack White· The Raconteurs

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Trouble Weighs a Ton 2:19
2 I Want Some More 3:49
3 Heartbroken, in Disrepair 3:21
4 Because I Should 0:53
5 Whispered Words (Pretty Lies) 4:06
6 Real Desire 4:26
7 When the Night Comes 4:11
8 Mean Monsoon 3:47
9 The Prowl 3:18
10 Keep It Hid 3:41
11 My Last Mistake 3:14
12 When I Left the Room 4:02
13 Street Walkin’ 4:39
14 Goin’ Home 4:57

What to play next

Listen next

Waiting on a Song

2017

Full Dan Auerbach discography Artists like Dan Auerbach

garage rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata